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Online now: 5 members: 3_SoftballFreak, Dj Thaniel, Eddie 555, TABLE SETTER 11, miken44; 183 anonymousDiscussion: Southwest USA 50 Major plus observations
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| Jan. 26, 2009 Lecak Men's 60 1026 posts | Southwest USA 50 Major plus observations Rough numbers CA, NV,AZ, UT approximately 60 million residents. There are two 50 major plus teams in this geographic area. I believe between the two rosters 29 men. So that means out of this large population only 29 men between the ages of 50-54 are playing major plus. Looking at the two teams both teams are made up of former 40 teams, one a great 40 team and the other middle of the road. Either both 40 teams were visionaries and chose rosters with the knowledge that 5-10 years down the road they would be the only 50 players capable of playing major plus and would corner the market shutting out the rest of the teams from getting players. Just a thought. |
| Jan. 26, 2009 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | Joe, Here is another way to look at all of it... in any age group, not just the 50's. Teams are really a family. As such or what ever you might call it (cliquish, set in their ways, amongst others) they are really NOT OPEN to any change of players unless the NEED for it happens. Teams get upset about moves, they disband. Reform usually under another name and continue. Usually with the same guys give or take a few. I think this is one reason the numbers are few. No one interested is let in unless there is that need. My $$ 0.02 |
| Jan. 26, 2009 DesertDave Men's 60 74 posts | Taits I think you are on to something. If a team is successful, it may be even more inclined to be like a family.. I think the combining of more M teams with M+ will not be as disastrous as most think. There will probably be some growing pains, but that happens every year. Softball is a game, but it is also a competition. None of us like having it handed to us. You can cry about it and move down, or work to get better, and be COMPETITIVE. I guess we will see how it shakes out this year. $.02 |
| Jan. 26, 2009 Lecak Men's 60 1026 posts | Taits I would certainly agree with you at least in respect to one of the 50 teams. If an opening were to incur I would doubt anyone in senior ball would even know. Quietly the opening would get filled. The stereotype that I take is that this big search committee would be launched and only the best of the best would be selected for this major plus opening. Today alone I have read on the board where the upper teams are these big HR hitting monsters, there should be HR hitting contests. In the 50's in the southwest there are two teams, everyone would be sorely disappointed in at least one of the teams and would ask for a refund if admission were charged. |
| Jan. 26, 2009 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | I KNOW it HAS happened, 2 different original teams (years ago). If I remember correctly both went from AA to M (the high point) along the way. One team went through roughly 5-6 names the other 2. There are posts about this within the last couple of years if the mind serves me correctly. Teams are set to win, I don't blame them, but if they do win, and are comfortable, but get a boost up, it's easier to disband re-name and come back than continue for a year and hope for a decrease in rating. (Too costly.) Faster to disband, maybe even form two teams, and start over. Many players have the ability or do hit them out, but are stuck playing lower, they really have no other choice. Teams take awhile to meld together and a new face sometimes just doesn't fit right. None of the changes made or to be made will sit well with everyone. But I think we will live with it, or next door. |
